old tree

the 'cherry tree' in the r/h border is looking very sick, all the leaves are full of holes, some of the branches are dead and there is sap leaking out of the trunk.
is it dying? is there a cure or do i get it dug out and replant another tree ?
if so what would you suggest, about 3-4 metres high and not to big as space is a little tight here, maybe 2 metre diameter growth . havn't attatched photo as i am doing this at work but photo is in my 'photos'
thanks in advance for your help .......steve

20 Oct, 2008

Answers

Hi Steve . I fear that tree is on the way out. I should remove it and start again. I have the bare stems of a similar flowering Cherry sticking out of my border. They seem to have a rather short lifespan compared to many. other trees . The rest of your garden looks fabulous. .

You will want to dig out the old tree getting as much root as you can. As you are organic, throw wood ash/ soot in the hole. Leave for a week or two, dig over, leave to weather.
Plant a new tree in late winter, (not a cherry, to avoid follow on).
The sap leaking out may be gummosis.